Simulation-based otolaryngology - head and neck surgery boot camp: 'how I do it'.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Surgical emergencies are common in otolaryngology (ENT).
• An annual ENT boot camp provides a safe training environment for junior residents.
• The study aimed to evaluate the boot camp's setup, execution, and impact on resident confidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structure and implementation of a simulation-based otolaryngology boot camp.
• To assess the change in residents' confidence in performing routine and emergency on-call procedures under stress.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the boot camp in preparing residents for real-world scenarios.

Main Methods:

• The boot camp included task trainers, simulations, and panel discussions.
• Participants completed pre- and post-boot camp surveys.
• Confidence levels were assessed using multiple t-tests.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two residents from 12 universities participated; 10 completed both surveys.
• Significant improvements in confidence were reported for six out of nine tasks.
• Key areas of improved confidence included surgical airway and orbital hematoma management.

Conclusions:

• Otolaryngology boot camps effectively prepare residents for emergency situations.
• Resident confidence in critical skills significantly increased post-training.
• This model has implications for competency-based medical training across surgical specialties.